Screw The Future

So here we are in this ridiculous republican world. How sad. He’s going to run this country into the ground. This administration is only concerned with the wealthy right now. No thoughts or plans for future generations. “We’ll do whatever we want - screw the future.”

My new money plan is to set aside $100 each month. I did last month and this month (actually $190 this month). I feel like I’m finally getting a handle on my finances now. It’s time for me to be on my own. - Miranda, November 2004

It is hard to believe that I have gone a month without posting. When I started this project, my goal was one post each week. I am very goal-oriented, and that seemed to keep me on track. Lately, I just haven’t had the heart to post. The school year is in full swing now, and I’ve had a lot on my plate. Well, truthfully, I may have been adding things to my plate so I didn’t have to log in and look at the date of my last post. There is so much going on in the world right now, and instead of yearning to write, I’ve been avoiding it. When I sat down to write, this post from 14 years ago just leapt off the page. All I can say is….

…..at least I’m consistent?! I am still frustrated with the politics of this country. I vote in every election. I call and write my elected officials. And I still feel hopeless sometimes. Change happens so slowly sometimes, and I do not have the best patience. So, what do I do when things are out of my control? I turn to financial planning!

For some people, budgets are stress-inducing monsters that suck all the joy out of life. For me, they are just the opposite. Give me a spreadsheet and a few accounts to manage and I’ll be perfectly content. I might not always be happy about the balances that I’m seeing, but just understanding the math makes me calm. Numbers aren’t personal. You just work with what you have. Making the most of those numbers is like a game. With enough strategy, you can make the numbers change. I can control my choices and see the results.

That isn’t the case with politics, or people in general. Sometimes, it all feels so very personal. I wish I could see other people’s points of view with the same understanding as the numbers in my spreadsheet. If only my choices yielded visible, immediate results, like paying down debt or watching compounding interest grow. It wouldn’t stop me from having strong opinions, but it might help me stay a bit more calm. Maybe I just need a reminder that when things feel hopeless, there is always something to do. It might not fix the problem, but it just might bring a little peace. Here’s hoping we all find our peace in overwhelming times.

Pasta, Greens, & Beans

Had a pretty successful day.  Practiced (even though I hurt from yesterday), paid some bills, shopped (Dollar General, Target, Barnes & Noble for a new journal), MADE DINNER.  Nothing fancy - just Pasta, Greens, & Beans that Mama's friend Rhonda makes.  But it was good and I actually cooked!  - Miranda, October 2004

I often use my journal to make lists or track the day's events.  Here, I was living in Augusta, and I was having a kind of rough time.  I had only lived there 2 months, so I didn't have much of a social life.  Still, I was living on my own, paying my own way, and living like an adult!  Making dinner was a very big deal!

Pasta, Greens, & Beans always makes me think about my time in Augusta.  I was vegetarian at the time, and scraping by on a $17K salary (can you say 'starving artist'??)  This meal was cheap, comforting, and only used one pot - definitely a plus for my tiny kitchen!  Give it a try and let me know what you think! 

Pasta, Greens, & Beans - adapted from Rhonda's recipe

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup carrots, chopped

1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (or combination of basil, oregano, parsley, etc)

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 box (16oz) vegetable broth

1 can Italian style diced tomatoes

1/2 cup whole wheat fusili pasta, uncooked (or any type/shape of pasta you have on hand)

1 15oz can chick peas, drained and rinsed

1 5oz bag spinach

Heat oil in a dutch oven or large pot.  Add carrots, garlic, & onion.  Sauté 5 min.

Add spices, broth, & tomato.  Bring to boil.  Cover.  Reduce heat.  Simmer 10 min.

Uncover.  Increase heat to Medium High.  Add pasta, beans, & spinach.  Cook 14 min.  Stir.

Time To Have Fun With It

Rehearsal went well.  Played on my backup reed, but it still sounded ok.  Need to work on a few spots tomorrow during warmup, and that'll be fine.  It's so so exciting.  I can't wait to play tomorrow.  In my pretty dress & my pretty shoes.  I am ready for this.  I have worked so hard and it's time to have fun with it.  My solo.  Yay!  - Miranda, October 2007

I remember that feeling.  After just a few years of living in Atlanta, I was asked to play the Mozart Concerto for Clarinet with a regional orchestra.  It was a little orchestra (and doesn't exist anymore), but I didn't care.  I had worked on that piece for years and had never played it with an orchestra before.  A big milestone.  And I still have the dress I wore.  I love that dress.  I felt confident and professional - not always the case, unfortunately.  At 26 years old, I was supporting myself as a professional classical musician in Atlanta.  How could I be anything but excited??